Building regulations

There are two ways to make a Building Regulations Application:

Full plans

• Full plans online application form Full Plans Application Form
• Full plans application form - printed version BC - Full Plans Application Form

You will need to give us two copies of the detailed plans and application forms, with the appropriate charge. Plans are checked and an approval notice issued when they comply with the Building Regulations. (Two further copies of the plans will be required where the building is subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.)

Building notice

• Building notice online application Building Notice application
• Building notice application form - printed version BC - Building Notice Application Form

Building work can go ahead without the submission of detailed plans. However a building notice cannot be used where:

• A building will be subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• A building is to be erected fronting a private street
• A building is to be erected over or within three metres of a public sewer.

Plans are not approved and no approval notice is issued.

The Building Regulations cover structure, fire safety, ventilation, drainage and safety glazing. Click on the following link for more information Approved Docs link
Subject to certain exceptions, building regulation consent is required for the following work:

• The erection or extension of a building
• A material alteration of a building (such as underpinning, formation of a through lounge, partial removal of a chimney breast, installing replacement windows and glazed doors)
• The provision, extension or alteration of sanitary equipment and drainage and certain heating, hot water appliances and domestic electrical work
• A material change of use of a building ie converting a house to flats
• Work relating to alteration of thermal elements or a change of energy status of a building.

Starting work
You must notify the building control office before you intend starting work. Notice must also be given when you reach certain other stages of work:

• Excavation of foundations
• Concrete in foundations
• Damp proof course and membrane
• Oversite concrete
• Drains layout and test
• Occupation
• Completion.

In addition to the above, the building control officer may want to see the:

• Floor joist layout
• Beams in position
• Roof structure.

All notices may be given in writing, by telephone, fax or e-mail.

When work is completed a completion certificate will be issued, as long as the Council is satisfied the works have been adequately inspected and are properly completed.